Future iPhones May Feature Advanced Contextual Voice Commands

[Michael Essany]

For months we've all dissected patent applications while simultaneously digesting rumors pointing to the same end - plans to make future generation iPhones all about improved security and advanced user functionality. Today, further evidence suggests Apple is preparing future generations of the iPhone to be far more sophisticated than any model thus far, particularly with regard to voice commands. Our friends at Apple Insider have uncovered an Apple patent application called "Contextual Voice Commands" the goal of which, ostensibly, is to improve the voice control of an iPhone/iPod touch and, subsequently, make the device more user friendly, reliable, and efficient.

Relying on a combination of quick physical inputs as well as voice commands, Apple's proposed system would allow for contextual input on an application-by-application basis. This would narrow the voice command possibilities in any given application, as opposed to a system-wide method that has a large number of options.

Based on the language of the patent filing, Apple is looking to improve upon contextual voice commands to such a degree that a user can execute desired operations faster than by navigating through a set of nested menu items. Additionally, the patent reaches deep into artificial intelligence territory by looking to "teach the device" to predict the intent of the user based on the nature of the voice command provided. "Contextual voice commands can be more precise than conventional voice commands that merely control the device as a whole," the application states. "For example, different context specific voice commands can be implemented based on user activity or application in use."

Perhaps most exciting is the prospect of these developments being made accessible to developers. Third party applications could then be made to utilize the contextual voice commands. Based on information contained within the patent filing, an "API related to a contextual voice command module" could be easily shared with devs so they too could tinker with these advancements and incorporate said functionality into their creations.

Apple Insider

[thxride]

Good cus the voice command on it now

Sucks

[zoso10]

Yes that is one thing I wish Apple would really improve. I hardly use it as it is now.

[vindutch]

Voice command never works. I would say play the beatles and then the beastie boys would play. Yeah i think they should burn that patent. I do not know any company that has a voice recognition system that actually freakin works. Im sorry sometimes i get distextia while typing.

[wolverinemarky]

Yea I don't even use the voice command feature it's severely lacking


Sent from my iPhone using ModMyi

[sziklassy]

This is the biggest thing I liked on Android. Will be nice to see something equal to (or better than) come to iOS.

[piston597]

It be great if it recognizes your voice, then if it is stolen you can just remote lock it until it hears your voice saying some sort of password, that would be great...

[llescaflownell]

Hmm, and I suppose once Apple releases "contextual voice commands," they will call it "NEW" and "INNOVATIVE!"

[Zokunei]

It be great if it recognizes your voice, then if it is stolen you can just remote lock it until it hears your voice saying some sort of password, that would be great...

Lol I don't think they have something that advanced up their sleeve.

[LGgeek]

Great instead sitting on airplane listening to some idiot yell into what he thinks is his end of the tin can attached by string now I will have to listen to him yell at the phone for not understanding what he is saying.

Only way this could be a plus is if it also has bleepbleepbleephole detection built in and supplies enough of a jolt to put him to sleep for the duration of the trip.

[PReCioSa]

ya I don't like it either :/ I think it should only work for the owners voice to.... with voice commands my 4 year old can make my phone do anything.

[EskimoRuler]

Hmm, and I suppose once Apple releases "contextual voice commands," they will call it "NEW" and "INNOVATIVE!"

If it's works completely different than I guess they can say that